How solvency is assessed
Mexico's residency system is popular with retirees, remote workers and people seeking a slower pace of life, and the key to a temporary or permanent visa is proving you can support yourself without working in Mexico. Officials call this economic solvency, and they test it in two ways: a recent record of qualifying monthly income, or a healthy average balance of savings or investments. You normally only need to satisfy one of the two. This calculator compares the figures you enter against the commonly published thresholds so you can see at a glance whether you are in range for the Temporary Resident visa, the higher Permanent Resident visa, or neither yet.
The income test
For the income route, consulates typically look at your net monthly income across the last six months of bank statements. As a rough benchmark, Temporary Residency often requires around US$2,600 per month, while Permanent Residency requires a substantially higher figure. The income should be stable and clearly yours - pensions, salary, dividends and consistent freelance deposits usually count, while one-off transfers may be questioned. The calculator uses these benchmark multiples, but remember the exact amount is tied to Mexico's minimum wage and the UMA and is reset each year.
The savings test
If your income is irregular, the savings route is often easier. Here consulates look at the average balance of your bank or investment accounts over the last twelve months. A common benchmark is around US$43,000 for Temporary Residency, with Permanent Residency again requiring much more. Because it is an average over a year, you cannot simply deposit a lump sum the week before applying; the balance needs to have been there consistently. The tool checks your stated savings against the threshold so you know whether to rely on income or savings as your primary evidence.
How to strengthen your application
Because every consulate applies its own multiples, the most important step is to read the specific requirements of the consulate that covers where you live, and aim comfortably above the minimum rather than scraping the line. Prepare clean, official bank statements that show your name, the account number and a steady pattern, and be ready to explain large movements. If you fall short on income, consider the savings route, or vice versa. Some consulates also accept Mexican property ownership above a set value as an alternative path to Permanent Residency, which can help asset-rich but lower-income applicants. Book your appointment only once your documents clearly meet the bar, since a refusal can mean a long wait to reapply.
Treat this as a planning estimate rather than a guarantee. The consulate handling your case has the final say and may apply different figures, so confirm the current thresholds and accepted evidence with them before you apply.